DAVID Blunkett has expressed "deep regret" at the "appalling failure" in security at Prince William's 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle.

The home secretary told MPs that the government was determined that lessons should be learned from the incident.

He said the events of Saturday night, in which comedian Aaron Barschak, 36, claimed he kissed the prince on both cheeks after gatecrashing the party, were "wholly unacceptable."

"I want to assure you that by working together with the police and the royal household, lessons can be learned which can only improve the security of the royal family for the future," said Mr Blunkett.

Report

He said a detailed report into the incident is being prepared over the next four weeks by a senior commander from the City of London Police.

"But neither the police nor I are awaiting that report before considering what further security measures need to be taken," Mr Blunkett told the Commons.

"My particular concern is that this very serious breach of security occurred despite extensive security and surveillance measures already in place at Windsor Castle."

More details have emerged about the extent of the security blunders on Saturday.

Routine

Dressed as terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden, Barschak is said to have stood next to Prince William and performed a minute's comedy routine before embracing him and walking off stage.

Mr Blunkett told MPs the intruder was only apprehended when he was challenged by a member of the castle staff at the bar. Earlier, after a comic turn in front of the public at the gates of Windsor Castle, Barschak scaled a tree and went over a wall.

After changing into fancy dress costume and appearing slightly drunk, Barschak was challenged by a contractor. Claiming to be a party guest who had lost his way, he was escorted to a police officer, who asked the contractor to take him to the party entrance.

"There was no further challenge from either the police or other staff controlling access to the party, and Mr Barschak was able to get unacceptably close to Prince William," added Mr Blunkett.